BPS responds to the appointment of Humza Yousaf as the new First Minister of Scotland

The society is seeking reassurance that as First Minister, Humza Yousaf will remain committed to the SNP manifesto pledge to boost mental health funding.

We repeat our calls (as part of Scotland's Mental Health Partnership) for the First Minister to meet the SNP's manifesto pledge to 'increase the direct investment into mental health services by at least 25 per cent and ensure that, by the end of the Parliament, 10 per cent of our frontline NHS budget will be invested in mental health.'                     

The BPS is also asking Mr Yousaf to remain committed to the publication and implementation of the Scottish government's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy – and associated Mental Health Workforce Action Plan, both scheduled for publication this spring.

Rob Morris, co-chair of the BPS Scottish Branch, said:

"Ever-increasing demand for mental health services and on-going pressures on the workforce providing these services makes it more crucial than ever that the Scottish government puts adequate funding and support in place to ensure the wellbeing of the mental health workforce.

"It is only by doing so that Scotland's mental health workforce can attract, retain and train the staff required to meet demand and deliver effective care, treatment and support."

Fiona Mackay, co-chair of the BPS Scottish Branch, added:

"The BPS looks forward to continuing to engage constructively with the Scottish government as its Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Mental Health Workforce Action Plan develop.

"We are also committed to tackling mental health stigma at population level, to addressing inequalities relating to childhood lived experiences and to taking an early intervention and prevention approach."